Proposed Refinery Would Create Six Figure Salary Jobs

BILLINGS, Mont. -
A new oil refinery could begin construction as early as spring 2015.

Quantum Energy proposed its plans for a 20,000 barrel-a-day refinery in the Billings area to Yellowstone County Commissioners Tuesday morning.

The proposed project, which would cost $500 million, received an overwhelmingly positive response from commissioners.

During the brief proposal, Quantum CEO Andrew Kacic said the construction of the refinery would create 500-600 construction jobs, and once the refinery opens, there would be 100-150 full-time jobs paying a base salary of at least $100,000 per year.

Kacic said Billings is a great fit for another refinery because of its location and energy industry experience.

"It's an infrastructure that would attract families that would want to relocate to the Billings area, and keep those that are here in Billings," he said.

Commissioner Bill Kennedy said the increase in jobs, especially such high paying jobs, would be great for the community.

"I was very interested in five to six hundred construction jobs, very interested in the one hundred full-time jobs," he said. "I'm looking for jobs, local, and to put people to work."

Quantum Energy plans on building five total refineries between Montana and North Dakota in the next few years. Kacic says smaller refineries are more desirable than one large plant, because a refinery producing 20,000 barrels of crude oil per day falls under state Environmental Protection Agency regulations, so the federal EPA is not involved.

Quantum says its refineries will be clean-energy, state-of-the-art, and according to its website, "Quantum Energy plans to build a network of "21st Century Energy Centers" near rail trainload facilities that would strip natural gas liquids, refine crude oil for locally produced diesel, and recapture carbon dioxide."

Big Sky Economic Development Executive Director Steve Arveschoug said the refinery would not only provide jobs, but provide more dollars spent in the area.

"We're growing in our healthcare industry," he said. "We're growing in our service sector, our financial and agriculture sectors -- it seems that the community is working on all cylinders in terms of our economy and (the proposed refinery) is just an example."

Quantum considers its refineries to be clean energy because of their ability to recapture carbon dioxide. Yet, Billings resident Deb Fischer is concerned about potential problems stemming from more emissions.

"I'd sure like to see us not fast-track it," she said. "Take a look at the environmental consequences, take a look at the safety issue -- which is huge in Billings -- because the train tracks go right through town."

Quantum is currently searching for property, and would need nearly 100 acres to build the refinery.

A juvenile man has been arrested after leading law enforcement on a chase Sunday afternoon. According to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, the juvenile was picked up in Lockwood by the owner of a pickup truck.

A juvenile man has been arrested after leading law enforcement on a chase Sunday afternoon. According to the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office, the juvenile was picked up in Lockwood by the owner of a pickup truck.

With the NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament proving to be a success once again for Billings, it begs the question...does Billings need another arena to host large sporting events? Monday, Big Sky Economic Development will host a presentation with the findings in it's Yellowstone County Sports Facilities Feasibility Study. According to a press release, the study will provide findings on Yellowstone County's market needs assessment, community input, financial analysis, opportu...

With the NAIA Women's National Basketball Tournament proving to be a success once again for Billings, it begs the question...does Billings need another arena to host large sporting events? Monday, Big Sky Economic Development will host a presentation with the findings in it's Yellowstone County Sports Facilities Feasibility Study. According to a press release, the study will provide findings on Yellowstone County's market needs assessment, community input, financial analysis, opportu...

ROUNDUP, Mont. (AP) - Flood warnings and advisories are being issued for parts of Montana due to ice jams and melting snow. Musselshell County authorities are warning residents in low-lying areas to watch for flooding caused by ice jams in the Musselshell River.

ROUNDUP, Mont. (AP) - Flood warnings and advisories are being issued for parts of Montana due to ice jams and melting snow. Musselshell County authorities are warning residents in low-lying areas to watch for flooding caused by ice jams in the Musselshell River.

Sonic believes America is ready to wash down their burgers with some frozen pickle juice. The fast food chain plans to unveil a pickle juice slush for a limited time starting this June. As the name suggests, the drink is a snow cone-like beverage flavored with pickle juice and colored bright green.

Sonic believes America is ready to wash down their burgers with some frozen pickle juice. The fast food chain plans to unveil a pickle juice slush for a limited time starting this June. As the name suggests, the drink is a snow cone-like beverage flavored with pickle juice and colored bright green.

Musselshell County DES has issued a flood advisory for residents in Riverside, Mine Road and lower areas of Roundup. Residents in the affected areas should prepare for potential evacuation should the ice jams at Golden Creek and Horse Thief break. The Musselshell County Sheriff's Department will be going door to door notifying residents and giving them additional information. This advisory is from Saturday until Sunday at 2:30 pm.

Musselshell County DES has issued a flood advisory for residents in Riverside, Mine Road and lower areas of Roundup. Residents in the affected areas should prepare for potential evacuation should the ice jams at Golden Creek and Horse Thief break. The Musselshell County Sheriff's Department will be going door to door notifying residents and giving them additional information. This advisory is from Saturday until Sunday at 2:30 pm.